What is Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a malignancy of the cervix. Worldwide, it is the second most common cancer of women. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the ca...
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I am 45 and was diagnosed with cervical cancer in late June this year. had a hysterectomy in mid July. I am doing well with the recovery and pretty much 95%back with normal activities. I went back for my first check up the first week of Aug. and was told everything was good, the cancer was contained, lymphnodes were clear. A few days later, my Dr. came back from her trip, called me and told me that the tumor board is assessing the pathology report to determine if radiation is required. She went ahead and scheduled me to see the radiology oncologist a few days later. I've learned that radiation can cause many long term side effects (damange to the bladder, bowl track, weakening of the pelvis, narrowing of the vagina, early menopause), and the benefit rate is only 50%. I was told that smaller frame people are high risk for these side effects, which I qualified. the verdict is that radiation is NOT required for my stage, but recommended since the depth of my tumor is marginal between 1B1 and 1B2 stages. I am feeling lost and scared just like the day when I was told I got cancer. I'd love to hear some thoughts/experiences from you who have gone through post surgery radiation treatment.
Posted on 08/21/09, 01:08 am |
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This was quite a letdown for you, I'm sure, thinking that no further treatment was necessary. I had a radical hysterectomy for stage 1B cervical cancer and, because one of 21 lymph nodes sampled was positive, needed radiation. I had thirty radiation treatments starting one month after the surgery. Both the GYN and radiation oncologists feel that the radiation made the difference in my long term survival. That was 23 years ago. Each case is unique, however. I personally would listen carefully to the reasons why the oncologists are recommending the radiation, writing down ahead of your appointments all the questions you want answered. After gathering your information, you'll know better how to proceed. I wish you the very best. God bless. 
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I'd also recommend taking another person with you to listen during these appointments. When one is stressed and anxious, we're not at our best assimilating information.
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Thanks Queenie for your response. Wow, 23 years Queenie. That's an inspiration for me. My mistake was not bringing another person to the appointments. I am planning to go back to see both the GYN and radiation oncologists one more time. Did you have any long term side effects from the radiation treatment.
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About a month following the final radiation treatment, I developed lymphedema in my legs. It's undetermined whether this is the result of radiation, but is felt by the doctors to be from the combination of both the surgery & radiation. I also had a recurrence of my cancer almost six years later with a year of chemotherapy. Be that as it may, I'm alive & doing well all these years later. Much has been learned about cancer treatment in the 23 years since I was diagnosed, I might add.
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Thank you Queenie. Was the recurrence happen in the same place? I do plan to have another discussion with both oncologists. I will keep you posted. Gabrielle.
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